Statement on The Parks Children's Centre Future

The next phase of the Children's Centre Consultation is continuing, as Government has reduced the Early Years Intervention Grant that helps funds Children Services.

Phase 1 ran between March & April 2013. We have of course indicated our initial views during Phase 1 to City officials. I flag up the strong views that I hold with regard to the retention of services currently administered by the Children's Centre within our community.

I am pleased to note that advice coming out from the Civic Centre states that all Children's Centres will remain open. The Park's Children Centre will still need to make savings though, because the funding still remains cut, and the cost of the operation has to be reduced. Therefore we will still be challenged in how we can make savings, and whilst our Centre looks like remaining open, the management and the Governance arrangements are still very much under review.

The financing of childcare provision provided by Children's Centre sites will no longer be subsidised by the Children Centre budget and a range of options will need to be explored as to how current financial support can be removed with the least impact for parents.

The proposals across the city will be aimed at making savings target of £1.5m

But the overall news for the community we serve is much improved, from the gloomy news that filtered out earlier this year. There is much more to do with regard to Governance and management to make these savings. But the community we serve will be relieved that the current services and support The Park's Children Centre provides will it looks continue for a while yet.